When Theresa started riding certain vows were made, and not honored. First
was she was never going to ride on the freeway, and only go 55. Then it was
maybe some freeway, but never above 55. Do we see a pattern here? Then it was
I will only do the speed limit, OK. And then as of now, she rides down the
freeways at 80-85mph, which we will both deny if asked by any law officer. Then
it was no lane splitting, until chasing Dick one day through traffic, and now
she does it all the time. There was a time when riding together when we came to
the curves, I would speed ahead, and wait for her at the end of the road. And
as time went by, the wait got shorter, as she got faster, and the rides became
more fun for both of us. All the things she once feared, she now respects. But
due to experience, and encouragement at home, “quit acting like a girl and ride”
she rides better than most men I know. Her most famous moment was when riding
to Hollister one year, when Pastor Fred asked her if she wanted him to trailer
her bike for her. “No, I ride,” she told him, and did, and does and has again.
Her other moment came when leading 37 motorcycles down to the Billy Graham
Crusade at Qualcomm Stadium, at 80mph. And didn’t lose one, although many
Harley riders claim they saw God once they got above 55! But for me it is when
riding behind her, and watching as a car passes her, rare, or when she passes a
car, and the heads turn once they notice it is a girl riding. And so as we
start our 36th year of riding together, 27 on back, our whole relationship has
been built around riding...and of course Jesus. Jesus, Theresa, and
motorcycling...it just don’t get any better.
So what do you do when you meet someone new after asking about your
motorcycle? And when you ask if they ride, and say yes, but get a different
answer when you ask if the wife rides, what do you say? I tell them talk to my
wife. She is a lady, and women riding is very ladylike. She tells them it is
great for the marriage, and encourages it. Good for kids too. No DVD players
yet on bikes, and you can go more places and have more fun together. And over
the years she has come to know much about her motorcycle other than it is blue,
and has 790cc. She can identify Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, and others. She is
no stranger to motorcycle shops, and can even embarrass or impress salesman by
her answers about riding. And so we ride, sometimes alone, sometimes one bike
and sometimes two together. But either way, we ride. And for over 36 years we
ride because we want to, because it is fun, and because we have met more people
and gone more places because of it. Good for the marriage. And she has ridden
on the back with me for 46 states, how many have you been in? How many have you
driven in? Flying and then renting a car isn’t the same thing, and eating at
the airport doesn’t count as a meal there. You need to get out and meet the
people, see the sights, smell the fresh air, and ride the roads. See America
and the world from the seat of a motorcycle, not the seat in your living room.
Seeing America from a plane window just isn’t the same. I rather be one of
those small dots down there...we are both going places, only we are going
places. Suddenly 500 mph seems so slow.
Too many live their life in fear, and never get outside of the church.
They feel safe with their own type, their own music, and never having to be a
Christian outside of the four walls. A comfort zone, which really makes them
uncomfortable. They see Jesus from 30,000 feet up, missing Him on the road, and
outside the church, where He ministered. Jesus taught in the temple, but He
ministered on the street. He was at home on the highway, and felt very welcome
among biker types, as well as church people. And also hookers, bankers,
salesman, insurance and used cars salesman, and politicians. You see Jesus
enjoyed spending time where the people were. He went to them, remember the
scripture “God sent His son?” And when He admonishes you to go out and tell
everyone about Jesus, He means not just at second service. He means as you go,
as you ride, or as you fly. In a group, or riding alone, He expects you and
wants you to share Him with others. He wants you to quit making excuses, and
start living, abundantly like He promises. And if on two wheels, you have made
a good choice. But be careful, for not all will welcome you. In your quest for
spiritual freedom, you become a target for those who are afraid, who don’t
listen to the spirit, and will even go as far as to become a thorn in your
side. Imagine that, your own brothers and sisters in Christ, a hindrance.
Yet that is exactly what Paul is talking about, someone within the church
causing him trouble, being a thorn in the side. Sent by Satan, but from within,
sometimes unknowingly. Spreading discourse, judging the pastor, or being a
nuisance ot the body, anything to bring discord. And God used it to keep Paul
humble, and relying on Him. Untrue, look around, then see Matthew 25. Those
people Jesus told “be gone, I never knew you” were those within the church, who
thought that by doing great things and getting the credit, they were pleasing
God. Know anyone like that? Are you like that? Thorns in the side are as bad
as thorns in your tires-both require God to help. So even when alone, or riding
alone, Jesus is always with you. Even outside the church, He doesn’t stop at
the door, or when throwing a leg over a motorcycle.
So quit acting like a girl and live today for Jesus. Sorry girls, too many
men act like you, which is why so many homes are upside down. Men, let God be
God, then you love your wife as Jesus loved the church-us. And whether riding
or attending, enjoy life. Enjoy the ride. And if anybody asks, I rather be
riding my motorcycle thinking about Jesus, than sitting in church thinking about
riding. Get out and enjoy life. Around that next curve may be the best thing
that ever happened to you. Oh, and if you ask, she’ll answer “yes, I ride,
don’t you?” The same as knowing Jesus, you do know Him, don’t you? And believe
me, we can tell...quit acting like a girl and live!
With apologies to all those women who ride, you get it. Don’t you wish
everyone did?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com